Moss can give homes a cosy cottage atmosphere, which is why many gardeners leave it alone, but it can be quite hazardous and increases the risk of falling if it is allowed to grow on patios. It often becomes more dangerous in spring, as it builds into a thick, slimy layer over the colder months and remains wet and slippery due to the rainy weather in April.
However, the biggest reason to remove it now is that moss traps moisture on surfaces, and if patios remain damp, they can begin to crack if made of stone or rot if made of wood. Most people use a hose or pressure washer to clean their patios, but Mary Stone, a landscape designer, has warned that powerwashing can be too harsh on patio surfaces. Mary said: “I once used a power washer, which is risky for damaging the stone. Then there’s the ick factor of scum kicking back at you.”
She added: “The power washing outcome was clean centers of each stone, while the areas near the joints remained green. Not so pretty.”
What is the best way to get rid of moss?
Moss is a rootless plant that survives by spreading its spores into cracks and joints, but if any small fragment remains, it will grow back extremely quickly.
Pressure washing is often not very effective at removing moss off patios as it will misses the spores lodged deep into the joints so it will return in just a few weeks.
However, there is no need to spend hours scrubbing at a patio or using harsh chemical moss killers, as one of the best ways to get rid of moss is to just pour washing-up liquid on it.
Mary said: “A good old soapy water mix made from three tablespoons of biodegradable dish soap (free of harmful bleach or fragrance) to one gallon of warm water, can do the trick. Be sure to use a plastic or natural-bristle deck brush; never a metal brush, as it will scratch.”
How can washing-up liquid stop moss growing back?
It might seem simple, but washing-up liquid can break down the waxy protective layer on moss, which quickly dehydrates the spores and causes them to die.
Washing-up liquid can soak deeply into moss to reach spores embedded deep in patios to remove every piece of it and ensure the moss does not go back throughout spring.
How to use washing-up liquid to remove patio moss
All you need to do is mix washing-up liquid with warm water in a bucket, and apply it to the moss. Let it sit for a few hours so the solution has time to break down the moss and let it dry out, then once the time is up it should look completely dead.
Use a broom or stiff brush to remove the dried-up moss. Once you are done, pour clean water or use a hose to dilute the washing-up liquid so it does not harm any plants or grass nearby.
Your patio should now be completely clear and sparkling clean using a cheap product that will not harm your garden.
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